Conservative commentator Candace Owens leaked text messages suggesting that Charlie Kirk was unhappy with the pro-Israel cause in the days leading up to his death, according to the Daily Mail on Wednesday.
Allegedly sent to a group chat, Kirk’s message stated that his organization, Turning Point USA, had lost a Jewish donor after Kirk refused to disinvite controversial right-wing pundit Tucker Carlson from an event.
“Just lost another huge Jewish donor. $2 million a year because we won’t cancel Tucker,” one of the messages read, “Jewish donors play into all the stereotypes.”
Carlson has a history of spreading anti-Israel ideas, notably at a memorial held for Kirk after he was assassinated in early September. Carlson publicly speculated that a “bunch of guys sitting around eating hummus” wanted to silence Kirk, stating that he could imagine one of the alleged hummus-eating guys saying, "'I've got an idea. Why don't we just kill him? That'll shut him up.'"
Kirk concluded the series of texts by saying, “I cannot and will not be bullied like this,” elaborating that the situation left him “no choice but to leave the pro-Israel cause.”
Kirk, an outspoken Christian Zionist, was assassinated during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Shortly after his death, thoroughly debunked conspiracy theories began cropping up, accusing Israel and the Jewish people of being responsible, due to suspicions that he was beginning to turn away from the pro-Israel cause. The theories were bolstered by rumors that Kirk had been expressing sentiments similar to the content of the leaked messages.
Israeli response to conspiracy theories
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyu acknowledged Kirk’s criticism of the Israeli government in a video released on social media following the assassination. Netanyahu decried the conspiracy theories as “insane” and “false,” stating that, regardless of possible disagreements, Kirk was a “great man” who “deserves honor, not lies.”
What I do know is this: Charlie Kirk was a great man. And a great man deserves honor, not lies. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk, may your memory be a blessing.”